Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

162 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

ministry. The seminary could serve as a fraternal meeting point for ongoing formation. f. The seminary may assist the transitional deacon to develop a plan of ongoing formation for his first years of priestly ministry. In the United States, the seminary—in its various formational efforts—ought to lead seminarians to the vision and practice of ongoing formation contained in Canon Law 473 and in the USCCB document The Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests , which is the standard for those who are ordained priests. In the latter document, the texts dealing with the newly ordained are especially important for the formational journey of priests as they begin their ministry. 474 A newly ordained priest who begins his first pastoral assignment and the process of ongoing formation should expect to find the following elements: a. Formal and informal welcoming by the diocesan bishop and presbyterate b. A first pastor who is sensitive to the needs of the newly ordained and able and willing to offer advice and direction c. Some group interaction with peers to reflect on the process of transition and the development of priestly identity and sources of support d. A mentor, as considered appropriate or necessary, with whom the newly ordained can reflect on ministry and life as a priest 402. 403.

404.

The newly ordained priest should seek a spiritual director and

celebrate the Sacrament of Penance regularly.

405. In the process of beginning priestly ministry and life, signif icant formational roles are played by the diocesan bishop, the director of ongoing formation for priests, and the entire presbyterate. In a partic ular way, the bishops in the United States have committed themselves to work individually in their dioceses/eparchies and, at the national level, to strengthen programs for ongoing formation and assist priests in living out

473 CIC, c. 279; CCEO, c. 372. 474 “It is desirable that accompaniment by confreres of exemplary life and pastoral zeal be promoted, so that they can help young priests to experience a cordial and active participation in the life of the entire diocesan presbyterate.” Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 83.